(Edited press release)
Peachtree Stable's course record setter and grade I-winning millionaire Red Giant will begin his stud career for the 2009 breeding season at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farms near Lexington, where he will stand for a fee of $7,500.
"Red Giant fits our template at Hill 'n' Dale with an elite international pedigree and holding a current world record for a mile and a quarter in 1:57 flat," said John G. Sikura, president of Hill 'n' Dale. "By the fantastic sire Giant's Causeway , Red Giant hails from one of the most successful pedigrees in the stud book. There is no reason why he should not become an important sire."
In 2008, Giant's Causeway was the second leading sire by progeny earnings, and was the leading sire of stakes winners, graded stakes winners, and grade I victors.
On the racetrack, Red Giant was ultra consistent, finishing on the board in 10 of 12 starts, with career earnings of $1,092,410.
Posting six wins at six different racetracks, Red Giant’s big victory came in the Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (gr. IT) at Oak Tree, where he set a new world record, covering 1 1/4 miles in 1:57.
Red Giant shares the distinction of holding a world record on turf along with other sires Elusive Quality and Candy Ride. He also set a new course record when he won the Virginia Derby (gr. IIT). In addition, Red Giant won the Fourstardave Handicap (gr. IIT) at Saratoga over grade I winner Thorn Song.
